Past Master’s Degree

Robert T. Shipe, PGM, KYCH, 33°

April 14, 2006

Introduction

The York Rite came to Oklahoma in 1878 at McAlester and Father Joseph S. Morrow was its leader. He became Most Excellent Grand High Priest (Grand Chapter-Symbolic) and Grand Illustrious Master (Grand Council-Cryptic). The four Chapter degrees consist of:

The three Council degrees consist of:

When the symbolic Lodge degrees were developed after forming the Grand Lodge of England in 1717, the Past Masters degree lessons were an integral part of the Master Mason Degrees; however, its significance was dropped after the original three degrees were formulated during 1719–1728. [By 1751, after enduring what they considered too many changes in the original adopted work, the ancient leaning Masons broke away from the Grand Lodge of England and formed the Antient Grand Lodge in 1752; however, that is another story.] Meanwhile in America the Antient oriented Lodges continued the practice.

Past Masters Degree – [How To Rule & Govern]

Grand Master Edmond Henry Doyle

1885 Indian Territory Proceedings, page 54.

Past Masters Degree Traditional Element of Installation Ceremony

On motion the following resolution by Grand Master Doyle was adopted:

“Resolved, That where it is impractical at the regular time of installation for the W. M. elect of any Lodge, who has not received the Past Master’s Degree, to receive the same in connection with his installation by reason of the absence of three Actual Past Masters, the degree may be omitted from the installation ceremonies without impairing the right and authority of the said W. M. to preside over, rule, and govern his Lodge just as if he had received the degree; provided that said W. M. shall get the degree as soon after his installation as practical, and this edict absolves all Past masters who have received the degree from any obligation contrary to the purpose and letter of this resolution.”

Discontinuance

Grand Master Leo Edmond Bennett

1890 Indian Territory Proceedings, Page 24

“The following resolution is recommended for your consideration, and, in my judgment, should be adopted:

Grand Masters Resolution referred to Committee on Law and Usage, Page 28

Report of Committee on Law and Usage on Page 51

Your Committee are of the opinion that the regulations of this grand Lodge requiring the Past Master’s Degree to be conferred on W. M. elect are in accordance with the general regulations and customs of the Order. We, therefore, recommend that the Grand Master’s recommendation be not approved.